back at milan design week for a sixth year – and to zona tortona for a third – norwegian presence brings the best of norway’s creative talent to the world design stage, shining a spotlight on the designers and manufacturers blazing a trail in the realms of circular production and sustainable design thinking.

the 2020 edition of norwegian presence returns to the theme with an even sharper focus. the curatorial team, marit haugen from oslo-based architects haugen/zohar and benedicte sunde of doga (aka design and architecture norway), has selected 11 of the nation’s designers who are working with natural lower-carbon materials such as wood, aluminum, stone and paper, developing intriguing new applications for them.

“honest design is the future. in the coming decades, transparency in all stages of the production process and product life cycle will be the backbone of the designer’s philosophy. the designers presented in this year’s exhibition are showcasing design for future generations – experimental and aesthetically attractive approaches that can serve as models for designers to come.” ~ benedicte sunde, co-curator, norwegian presence

products and prototypes from these visionary makers are presented alongside work from eight norwegian manufacturers who have put sustainable innovation into action on an industrial scale, providing a real-life roadmap to low-carbon, socially conscious manufacture at scale.

architects haugen/zohar have also been selected to do the exhibition architecture, transforming the exhibition venue on via savona with a spectacular set that both showcases each product and helps tell the story of its production, from raw material to finished work.

“the party’s over! material innovation and the reduction of co2 emissions must be at the forefront of all industries. for us as architects it is interesting to work with designers and take a deep dive into materials like aluminium, stone, wood and paper. our ambition is to put norwegian circular design on the world map through a rich and thought-provoking exhibition.” ~ marit justine haugen, co-curator and exhibition architect,
norwegian presence

as well as giving festival-goers an opportunity to discover the very best of norway’s contemporary furniture and product design, norwegian presence also challenges them to consider critical issues such as the use of resources, the possibilities of ethical manufacture, and the relationship between material quality and product longevity.

norwegian presence presents an optimistic blueprint for the future of making, and offers visitors a compelling demonstration of how the problem-solving approach that characterises norwegian design might hold the key to a better life for both people and the planet.